San Antonio firefighters will soon get new air-supply equipment to replace faulty gear that has been given them problems.
After several months of talks with Interspiro, the company that's currently supplying the fire department with more than 400 self-contained breathing apparatuses, city officials decided Thursday to bid with a new supplier.
City officials hope firefighters will have the new gear within three months.
"At some point, we have to say, 'Where does it stop, where do we move forward with something we have a little more confidence in?" said District Chief Rodney Hitzfelder, of the San Antonio Fire Department. "We have had some resolutions to some of the issues, however we have many more we have to face and this was just a process and it culminated in this decision."
Hitzefelder added that the city will try to recover nearly $2 million from Interspiro.
Mayor Phil Hardberger has said that the city is willing to sue Intespiro, if necessary.
Fire officials said they lost confidence in the gear after it was discovered there were leaks in the mask. In some cases, there was a complete loss of air, posing a danger to firefighters.
Because of the problems, fire officials were forced to send more manpower to respond to fire calls.
Previous Stories:
- February 15, 2006: City Ready To Sue Over Faulty Firefighting Equipment
- February 1, 2006: Fire Dept. Corners Company Over Faulty Equipment
- November 9, 2005: SAFD Launches Investigation Into Faulty Breathing Masks
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